/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23951563/VRG_Illo_STK181_L_Normand_AndyJassy_Neutral.jpg "Amazon’s CEO defends return-to-office policy")
Check your change — you could add Canada’s newest colourful coin to your collection.
The Royal Canadian Mint revealed a new $2 commemorative circulation coin on Tuesday in celebration of the people, traditions, and lands of Inuit Nunangat.
For the first time for a circulation coin, four different artists, each representing one of the four regions of Inuit Nunangat, have collaborated on designing its reverse, according to the Mint.
The toonie’s design symbolizes Inuit unity through the artists’ joint representation of the story of Nuliajuk, spirit of the sea, and through an ulu representing each of their homes within the Inuit homeland.
“Nuliajuk’s story is one of the most important in Inuit culture, and we are excited that she will now be honoured in Canadian currency, the way we have honoured her in our hearts and imaginations since time immemorial,” said Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, in a statement.
The design
Royal Canadian Mint
The gorgeous artwork appearing on the reverse (tails) of the toonie is by Tegan Voisey (Makkovik, Nunatsiavut), Thomassie Mangiok (Ivujivik, Nunavik), Charlotte Karetak (Arviat, Nunavut), and Mary Okheena (Ulukhaktok, Inuvialuit Settlement Region).
Its inner core features an image of Nuliajuk, spirit of the sea, wearing an atigi (parka), and clockwise from Nuliajuk are a walrus, two beluga whales, a seal, and an Arctic char.
On the right of the outer ring appear four different artistic interpretations of uluit (knives), whose appearance is derived from the traditional shape for uluit found in each region. They act as each of the artist’s signatures.
The inscription “Inuit Nunangat” appears on the left. The coin’s obverse (heads) features the effigy of King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
“Inuit have called the North home for time immemorial, and it is fitting that the toonie—whose iconic polar bear has long spotlighted the Arctic—will now share the vibrant Inuit culture and distinct ways of life in Inuit Nunangat with all Canadians,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland in a statement.
How you can collect this coin
Royal Canadian Mint
The toonie is limited to a mintage of three million coins, of which two million will be coloured. There are two ways you can collect the coin.
The first is the organic way — waiting for it to appear in your change as bank branches and businesses replenish their inventories of toonies.
According to the Mint, it has begun circulating as of today.
Can’t wait for it to land in your change? The coin is also available in 15,000 coloured and 10,000 uncoloured limited-edition special wrap rolls of 25 uncirculated coins each. It’ll cost you $79.95.
You can order it today over the phone at 1-800-267-1871 or online here.
They are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint’s Winnipeg boutique, as well as through the Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.
